soldering pin backs to sterlings

[cindi]

I'm new to metalworking. I've created some cuttlebone castings and wish to attach them to pin backs with bails.  Can I solder the one's that R&T sells (#38-963-1) to my castings without melting my castings?  Does the soldering affect the plating? Is there a silver version of the pin back available? Thanks

[Metalman]

You can solder those pin backs w/bail but it will burn the plating - I assume you mean hard soldering or silver soldering.
You could use soft solder like Stay Brite but since you have gone to the trouble of the silver castings - I would not use the soft solder on them.

You can buy sterling pin findings but they do not come made up like these pins backs do.

If you are just getting going, I strongly recommend Tim McCreight's book - The Complete Metalsmith  [R&T# 62-010]

[Joel Rainard]

Place a solder chip on the board by itself.   Use the torch to heat the end of a solder pick until it glows.   Then touch the end of the pick to the chip.   The chip should melt into a ball that sticks to the end of the pick.   Next, heat the jump ring and when you feel that it is sufficiently heated, touch the solder ball to the joint and it should melt and flow down into the joint.   This method is preferred by a lot of jewelers because they can place the solder exactly where they want it.